McIlrath hit nets 8-game ban

Dylan McIlrath has been suspended eight games by the Western Hockey League for his head hit to Victoria Royals’ Jesse Zgraggen Wednesday.

McIlrath initially made contact to Zgraggen’s head with a leading elbow. A repeat offender, McIlrath was suspended three games earlier in the season for a hit to the head in a game against the Calgary Hitmen.

The suspension to the New York Rangers prospect comes just days after Niagara IceDogs defenseman Dougie Hamilton was suspended 10 games for what the OHL called a hit to the head.